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UNG professor directs 'Macbeth'

Dr. Brian Jay Corrigan, director, assists an actress with her costume during rehearsal for "Macbeth."

This fall, when three witches reveal to Scottish General Macbeth that he will become King of Scotland, and audiences witness the meaning of "fair is foul, and foul is fair," they will do so guided by an internationally recognized expert in William Shakespeare's life and works.

Shakespeare's "Macbeth" premiers Oct. 10 at the Holly Theatre in Dahlonega, directed by Dr. Brian Jay Corrigan, professor of English at the University of North Georgia (UNG). Corrigan, an accomplished playwright and an expert in Renaissance literature, plans to help the production mirror the time of year as much as possible.

"Due to the scheduling and nature of the play, we will be very much emphasizing the play's supernatural elements," Corrigan said. "I have always loved the atmosphere of 'Macbeth,' and Halloween is a favorite holiday of mine, so this is a very good fit."

To Shakespeare aficionados, Corrigan said they can expect a production very true to the text, language and spirit of the play. For those unfamiliar with "Macbeth," Corrigan said they will see a very emotionally charged, exciting play that is the furthest thing from "a collection of monologues."

"This is a wartime play, full of magic and swordfights," he said.

Corrigan has lectured about William Shakespeare at the Shakespeare Association of America, the International Shakespeare Conference, and at the Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon. He has been involved in some capacity in the production of all but four of Shakespeare's plays.

In addition to teaching Shakespeare and other literature courses at UNG, Corrigan also wrote "Playhouse Law in Shakespeare's World," a book examining the legal structure and court cases of early-modern London that impacted the city's first theaters as well as the era's dramas. He also released a book this year titled "Shakespeare's Great Tragedies," and has had numerous articles about the famous writer published.

"Macbeth" will run Oct. 10-12, Oct. 24-26, Oct. 31, and Nov. 1-2. All Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., and all Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children and UNG students with a valid UNG ID. To purchase tickets and view upcoming Holly Theatre productions, visit: http://www.hollytheater.com/2014-2015-theatrical-season.html.